MASTHEAD THE USS Mount McKinley Association Newsletter Winter 2007 Volume 9, Issue 1 OVERVIEW OF THE VENUE Quarters will be at: Holiday Inn Located in the historic Allentown Section of Buffalo – Downtown www.hibuffalodowtown.com • Niagara Falls • Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park 2007 REUNION September 12 th to 16 th An invitation to former crewmen of the USS Mount McKinley AGC-7 and her sister AGC’s to participate in a fun-filled reunion in Buffalo / Niagara, New York This newsletter is dedicated to all the men who served on this extraordinary ship in service to their country whether at times of war or moments of a peaceful world. In This Issue: ‘06 Financial . . . . . . . . . . . .2 President’s Report . . . . . . .3 Editor’s Message . . . . . . .4 Welcome To . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Fond Farewells . . . . . . . . . .4 From Our Shipmates . . . . .5 Mighty Mac Timeline . .6-7 Reunion ‘07 News . . . . .8-9 More From Our Shipmates . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Missing Members . . . . . .10 Ship’s Store . . . . . . . . . . .11 Mt. Mac Facts . . . . . . . . . .12
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12 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD
MASTHEADTHE
USS Mount McKinley Association Newsletter
Winter 2007 Volume 9, Issue 1
OVERVIEWOF THE VENUE
Quarters will be at:Holiday InnLocated in the historicAllentown Section ofBuffalo – Downtownwww.hibuffalodowtown.com
• Niagara Falls
• Buffalo & Erie CountyNaval & Military Park
2007 REUNION September 12th to 16th
An invitation to former crewmen of the USS Mount McKinley AGC-7 and her sister AGC’s to participate in a fun-filled reunion in Buffalo / Niagara, New York
This newsletter is dedicatedto all the men who served on this extraordinary ship in service to their countrywhether at times of war ormoments of a peaceful world.
The USS Mount McKinley, AGC-7 was the first of a new class of Amphibious Force Commandships. The following ships were all designated as belonging to the Mount McKinley class:
SHIP COMMISSIONED DECOMMISSIONED DAYS IN SERVICE
USS Mount McKinley AGC – 7 1 May 1944 26 March 1970 9, 196USS Mount Olympus AGC – 8 24 May 1944 4 April 1956 4, 333USS Wasatch AGC – 9 20 May 1944 30 August 1946 832USS Auburn AGC – 10 20 July 1944 7 May 1947 1, 022USS Eldorado AGC – 11 25 August 1944 8 November 1972 10, 321USS Estes AGC – 12 9 October 1944 30 June 1949 1, 726USS Panamint AGC – 13 14 October 1944 January 1947 809 + ?USS Teton AGC – 14 18 October 1944 30 August 1946 682
USS Mount McKinley, AGC-7:
Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Meritorious UnitCommendation
Navy Expeditionary Medal(1-Cuba) American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific CampaignMedal (4) World War II Victory Medal Navy Occupation Medal
(with Asia clasp)
National Defense ServiceMedal (2) Korean Service Medal (8)
#11 Series are B & W photos. More photos and items are listed on the website: ussmtmckinley.comNew items will be available at the USS Mount McKinley Association Fall Reunion.
Make Checks Payable to: USS Mount McKinley Association (Sorry No Credit Cards)Please add $5.00 shipping charge to each order.
Mail Order to: USS Mount McKinley Ship Store c/o Steve Schermerhorn69272 County Road 23 New Paris, IN 46553
6 Key Tag 7 Rosters 8 Custom Plaque 9“Cruisin’ the Mac” 10 Matted Prints 11 A Camoflage
11 B
11 C Helo Deck
Item # Description Color / Size / Style Price
1 Golf Shirt Navy Blue / S, M, L, XL 25.00(Short Sleeve, 100% Heavyweight Cotton) Navy Blue / XXL, XXXL 27.50
2 Baseball Caps White, Kaki, Navy Blue / One Size, Adjustable 15.003 Ship’s Patches 3” Mountain; 5” Association Mermaid/Turtle; 8.00 each
6” Diesel Gang Patch; Snipe Force Patch; Task Force 90 Patch; Gator Navy Patch
4 Ship’s Decal 3.00 each or2 for 5.00
5 Mouse Pad 5.006 Laser Engraved Key Tags 5.007 Master Roster Red Cover, 1944-1970 (listing of all years) 30.00
Blue Cover, 1944-49; 20.00Yellow Cover, 1950-59; 20.00Gold Cover, 1960-70 20.00
8 Custom Laser Engraved Plaque Includes your name, division and years of serviceCall Steve Schermerhorn 574-831-2843 for special order form 65.00
9 “Cruising in the Mac” by Ken Boenitz A Chronology – USS Mount McKinley, AGC – 7, 1944-1970 20.0010 Matted Color Print 16 x 20 Doubled Matted Color Print on Canvas 30.0011 Ship’s Photos 8 x 10, Black & White Photos
Listed at Bottom (A-C) 5.00 each
Please Print Clearly
Name
Street Address
City State Zip
Phone # ( ) Email
10 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD
The following poem was written by John P. Wall, a new member#1027 after he served as a lookout on the port side during thethird watch. (Circa 1962-1963)
Downward Thrust… “SPLASH” !!!
The fury of the sea and that of a bridge lookout upon the thirdwatch.
“SPLASH” as, the waves passes over, the bow of our ship.
Then, feeling the first roll beneath the keel. As the ship twistedto the starboard and rise upward to meet the second roll.
“SPLASH” in a downward thrust as, the ship pulled to the portside with a sudden impact of a huge wave that came up to thebridge. A slight spray of salt water upon, one’s brow and it ishere, that we learn to be men and not play with the sea.
Especially, when she is mad and thoughtless… whisperingthese words… “COME PLAY WITH ME” !!!
More From Our Shipmates:
John P. Wall, above, also sent someportraits, below, of his shipmates thatsome of you may remember.
Missing Members:The following members are missing if anyone knows anything about them, please contact me at [email protected] (352) 382-7694 or Gerald Critz, 10 Euphorbia Ct.,Homosassa, FL, 34446
From left to right: Captain Flynn, USS Mt. McKinley, AGC-7, 1963;
Thomas J. De Beav Jr. #39811050 Bellarbor Dr., Baton Rouge, LA
Eugene Shelton #750 PO Box 9234, Hickory, NC
Robert D. Bohall #760330 16th Ave S.W., Largo, FL
Vera Beeskow #091A526 Newberry Dr., Streamwood, IL
John O’Neal #7561827 N. Ave., Red Oak IA
Dennis C. Smith #889 2106 Squires St., Longmount, CO
Arthor Mc Capes #6241082 San Marcus Rd., Hemet, CA
John Morrey #8682000 S. Lake Line Blvd #326, Cedar Park, TX
ship’sCaptain and LT CDRMuccetto.
So sorry that you could not make thereunion. There are several others onoxygen that have attended. Maybenext year you will be able to makeBuffalo/Niagara Falls.
Many thanks again for your letter andthe picture.
Cheers, Dave Nelsen
My current thought for the New Year2007: would it be possible for everyMount McKinley Association memberto send one photo from their ship-board experience to another shipmateand publish the exchange in theMasthead? Good luck with this “pen pal” exercise.
Cheers, David Nelsen, President, Mount McKinleyAssociation.
January 2007
Dear Shipmates,
First of all, my wife Pat and I wishyou and your family a happy andhealthy New Year, 2007.
The Buffalo/Niagara Reunion isahead, September 12-16, 2007 at theHoliday Inn-Downtown. David Long,our Reunion Chairman has promised agreat reunion.
The Dayton Reunion is in the past; itwas so good to see and visit with somany of you.
I received the following note from ashipmate. I think this letter showswhat the association is all about,“Long Term Friendships”. On a per-sonal note, I would like to share theletter:
29 Nov. 2006
Hello Dave,
I am enclosing a photo taken on the Mt. MC. Do not recall the occa-sion or the time,
President’s Report:but I thought you would appreciatehaving it.
We didn’t make the reunion. I am onOxygen most all day and it makes ittough to travel.
Good hearing from you. Lots of luckto you and yours.
R. John DunkelbergerCPO USN RET704 S Fisher St.Knox, IN. 46534-1830
My response:
2 December 2006
Dear Ron,
What a pleasant surprise to receiveyour letter and picture. The ship was off the coast of Sardinia,November 1961. I had just comeaboard and relieved LTJG Brubackeras Disbursing Officer and he isdeparting from the flight deck. Alsopictured is Lee Temanson, CDR USNRetired and current Secretary of theMount McKinley Association, plus the
620 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202Rooms are $87.00 per night
REUNION COST: $72.00
SCHEDULE: September 12 Registration Starts at NoonWelcome Reception
September 13 A five hour tour (to/from Buffalo takes approx. 1 1/2 hours) of the US side of Niagara Falls. We would visit Goat Island, Whirlpool State Park, and enjoy a cruise on the Maid of the Mist. This tour would cost $29 per person.
September 14 A tour of the Buffalo/Erie County Naval and Servicemen’s Park. A 3–4 hour visit including transportation & admission at $20 per person.
September 15 Show and Tell and business meetings in the morning. Afternoon is free. Banquet in the evening.
September 16 Farewells
It’s not the Mt. McKinley, but “The Maid of the Mist”above, is a must-do for folks visiting Niagara falls.
Niagara Falls
4 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD
A message from your newEditor.
Well, something has obviously hap-
pened to our newsletter. It looks…
well, different. Not better, only differ-
ent. I know that for eight or nine
years, Dennis Pliny did a fantastic job
of bringing us the newsletter, filled
with facts, humor, history, insights
and commitment to telling the story
of those who served aboard the
Mighty Mac. He also served as the
reunion chairman. He was obviously
a glutton for punishment, since I can’t
image doing both jobs simultaneously,
but he did. Then, about a year ago,
Dennis asked to resign as the reunion
chair, claiming that doing both jobs
was too demanding of his time. At
the Dayton reunion, thankfully David
Long agreed to take on the job of
organizing our reunions. But then,
suddenly, Dennis also opted out as the
newsletter editor. Luckily, George
Betts, an old hand at the newsletter,
Editor’s Message:agreed to step in and produced the
October 15, 2006 edition, and asked
if anyone else was willing to take on
the editor’s job. Foolishly, I raised my
hand and said I would do it. Actually,
I did so only after I asked my daugh-
ter Leslie, who shares studio space
with me and is a skilled graphic
designer, if she would be willing to
help me put the newsletter together.
Thankfully, she agreed.
I wondered though what happened to
Dennis.
On Friday, January 12th I called
Dennis with a question about newslet-
ter production. Dennis answered the
phone and then blurted out that: “I
can’t answer your question now
because I’m in Key West on my hon-
eymoon. I was married yesterday.”
Aaaahaaaaa. My questions have been
answered. Priorities in life change
from time to time.
But I can’t do this job alone. I need
your help! At the moment, we have
483 members. That means that we
have at least 483 stories to be told
about the Mighty Mac. Send me your
thoughts about what you would like to
see in your newsletter. Tell me about
your times and experiences aboard our
ship. Send me your photographs
(which I will handle with great care)
and that I will return to you after they
have been digitally scanned. If you
don’t have the time to write your sto-
ries, then please call me on the phone
and I will record your recollections
and transcribe your thoughts so your
shipmates can share your remem-
brances.
I hope you find this, my first effort as
your newsletter editor, of interest.
Welcome To:New members 4th quarter 2006John P. Wall Joined October 2006 #1027
Michael S. Maiden Joined October 2006 #1028
Edwin Broadway Joined October 2006 #1029
Enrique M. Valdez Joined October 2006 #1030
Felix Hodges Joined November 2006 #1031
Wade Cochran Joined November 2006 #1032
Fond Farewells:The following shipmates have left us sinceour last reunion:
the Chiefs mess. This was good dutybecause we ate the same food as thechiefs, I gained about 20 lbs.
Then came Captain Hardin. After aSaturday morning inspection he decid-ed that there were too many of us inthe Print Shop so I was first transferredto the Electric Shop for about a monththen to the first division, where I spentthe remainder of time on board. TheCaptain also refused to let us wear dungarees while working on the deck,instead we had to wear our blues,which wound up covered with red lead.I also remember how hard it was tohandle the hawser when we had to tieup. (shown at left)
There I met for the first time Boat-swain’s mate First Class Yo Buck(shown below). If you didn’t know YoBuck it is hard to explain the type ofperson he was. Being at that time 21year old and still wet behind the earsseaman, I was scared of him and if hesaid jump off the fantail I would have.A hard taskmaster and a loud mouththat kept you on you toes all the time.Some of his favorite sayings were“anytime you can rest, do it.” Or“while you’re resting do this and dothat”. He was fair and I believe all ofthe crew respected him. I notice thathe is a member of the association andcould probably tell us more about theMt. McKinley than anybody.
The following letter wasreceived from William (Bill)F. Taylor (095C)
In 1950 I was just out of High Schooland attending Western KentuckyUniversity that is only about an hourand half drive from my home in
Greensburg. Every time I would comehome (about twice a week) my dadwould tell me that they were going todraft me and I would end up in Texasdigging foxholes in the sand.
I was at home on Christmas breakwhen two of my friends got me out ofbed one Saturday morning and said itwas time to join the Navy. We did.
After boot camp, a large group of uswere transferred from NTC San Diegoin a whaleboat across the bay toCoronado Island. We were being
assigned to Beachmaster Unit One.Walking into the barracks we all knewsomething was wrong because on topof all the lockers were full field packs,helmets, and Carbines. We were issuedwhat was called marine greens orfatigues. The first week there, we wereout on the Silver Strand Beach, digging
six foot deep holes in thesand. After a year Iapplied for and wasaccepted to PrintersSchool.
After school I wasassigned toComPhibGroup 3. At thetime I thought it wasshore duty. Boy was Ifooled. They told me thatI was being sent to theMt. McKinley that was inJapan. Now I had readyspent one year in Japanand didn’t think I wouldbe sent back (fooledagain). There was quite agroup of us that were intransit and loaded aboardan LST which was a partof a convoy made up oftwo LST’s and about foursmall mine sweepers thatwere being given to theJapanese Navy. Wearrived in Pearl after
about a week. The other LST was putinto dry dock for some repairs, soinstead of a few days at Pearl, we spenttwo weeks. We got paid the day beforewe sailed and, as most sailors did atthat time, we all went on liberty anddid what sailors do. The next day wesailed out of Pearl and it was the onlytime that I was really seasick.
When aboard the McKinley I was in the print shop as a member ofComPhipGroup 3 and after about amonth was assigned to Ships Company.Was a mess cook for three month in
Winter 2007 Volume 9, Issue 1 5
From Our Shipmates:
8 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD
Buffalo has more the 1,000 acres of parks connect by parkways andavenues that form a complete sys-tem. Buffalo also boasts beatificallydesigned homes by architects asE.B. Greene, Frank Lloyd Wrightand Louis Sullivan. City hall is theoldest city hall in America and thebest example of Art Deco architec-ture. Delaware Avenue was oncechristened “Millionaires Row” andis still lined with stately turn of thecentury mansions, though manyhave been converted to corporateoffice, shops, and restaurants.
Buffalo also has the Pedaling HistoryMuseum which is the largest all bicy-cle museum in the world. There isthe Museum of Science, and theAlbright Knox Art Gallery whichhouse works by Picasso, Van Gogh,Matisse and Monet.
At the Naval and Military Park onthe waterfront (pictured right), allbranches of the service are represent-ed in the park’s exhibits. The park isthe home of the destroyer, USS TheSullivans, missile cruiser USS LittleRock, and WWII submarine USSCroaker. Along the veterans walk,there are tributes to WII, Korea,Vietnam, and Marine vets.
With some free time during thereunion, there is Shea’s performancearts center, the Irish ClassicalTheater, the new Angelika FilmCenter and the Elmwood strip whichfeatures a mix of restaurants, night-clubs, and boutiques.
And of course, don’t forget where thebuffalo wing was invented. VisitFrank and Theresa’s Anchor Barwhich is the home of the BuffaloChicken wing, or try the indigenousbeef on ‘weck sandwich with lots ofhorseradish sauce.
With many things to do and see,
Buffalo is a great choice for areunion.
The Buffalo airport is served byAirTran Airways, American,Comair, Continental, Delta, JetBlue,Northwest, Southwest, United, andUS Airways. Car rentals at the air-port include Alamo, Avis, Budget,Dollar, Hertz and National carrentals.
Flying time to Buffalo varies fromone to two hours for most east coastcities and around 6 hours from thewest coast.
Our Reunion Chairman, David Long, reports the following:
When people think of Buffalo, the think of either snow or chicken
wings. Of course there are the Buffalo Bills, the only NFL team to
lose four consecutive Super Bowl games. Founded in 1801, Buffalo
is the 8th largest city in the US, and 2nd largest in NY.
2007 Reunion: Buffalo/
6 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD Winter 2007 Volume 9, Issue 1 7
OCTOBER ‘44 NOVEMBER ‘44 DECEMBER ‘44 JANUARY ‘45 FEB‘45
MAR‘45
APRIL‘45
MAY‘45
JUNE‘45
AUG‘43
JULY‘43
DEC‘43
JAN‘44
FEB‘44
MAR‘44
APR‘44
MAY ‘44 JUNE ‘44 JULY ‘44 AUGUST ‘44 SEPTEMBER ‘44OCT‘43
NOV‘43
SEPT‘43
(AGC-7) The BeginningsTimeline: USS Mount McKinley
Editor’s Note: Many of the details of thevoyages were from the notes providedfrom the diary of Wm. Chichon SPX1/c(#218), now deceased.
|31 July, 1943C-2 hull laid down at the North Carolina Shipbuilding Co.Wilmington, NC
|27 December, 1943Acquired by the Navy and renamedMount McKinley and converted to anAmphibious ForceCommand Ship at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
|1 May, 1944 Commissioned USSMount McKinley AGC-7 Capt. W. M. Graham in command|
27 September, 1943Launched as the Cyclone
|6 June, 1944 D-Day invasion of Europe
|10 June, 1944 German Sub sank Allied Tankeroff coast ofVenezuela
|8 June, 1944Departed Norfolkfor Hawaii
|13-14 June, 1944 Transit the Panama Canal
|16 May, 1944 Departed Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
World Events
Mighty Mac Events
|June, 1944 Passing through the Canal, “Not a blade of grass was out of place, flowerseverywhere. But on the other side of the fence, all you could see were shacks,pigs, chickens, dogs and little kids everywhere.”—— Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219)
|27 June-20 July, 1944Pearl Harbor
|20 July, 1944, 0720hrsUnderway for Palan Islands, 50 miles east of Mindanao inthe Philippines with Amphibious Group 5 embarked
|1 May, 1944 “At the commissioning party Idanced in a conga line for thefirst.” — Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219),now deceased.
“In Their Own Words”
|26 July, 1944Crosses the Equator for the first time
|22 August, 1944Sailors from the ship and Marines treatedto a Bob Hope show|23 August, 1944Returns to Guadalcanal, begins boardingMarines of the Third Amphibious Corps
|8 September, 1944Leaves the Solomon Islands aspart of a fast Convoy speedingat 13 knots for the Palau Islands
|12 & 13 September, 1944Heavy pre-assault shorebombardment of PeleliuIsland, an island nation ofPalau included the following ships:
|31 July, 1944Anchors briefly at Guadalcanal & then moves toMacquitti Bay in Pavuvu Island, Russell Island Group,Solomon Islands
END OF CRUISE 1Mighty Mac goes in fortwo month overhaul
|15 September, 1944AGC-7 arrived off Pelelliu,ComPhibGru 5 directedlanding of 1st MarineDivision.
|18-27 September, 1944Crew volunteersmake daily tripsbringing fresh waterto the marines onshore. Noon temps.were 110º -120º F.
|19 September, 1944First air raidGQ 1815hrs
|27 June – 20 July, 1944“Seeing ‘Pearl’ for the first time. The belly of the Arizona sticking outof the water.” — Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219)
|August, 1944“Ah yes! The Bob Hope Show. Fifteen thousandmarines were waiting in the hot sun and alongcomes an admiral or two, a general or two fol-lowed by 400 or 500 sailors who marched rightup to the stage — Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219)
|28 September, 1944Sailed to nearby NgesebusIsland to provide shore bombardment coordination
|14-17 October, 1944Left operationalarea after it wassecured and trav-eled to SeeadlerHarbor, ManusIsland in theAdmiralty IslandsGroup
|9-12 November, 1944Sailed from NewGuinea to San PedroBay — Leyte Gulf foran assault on Leyte
|8 January, 1945Attacked by lone Jap two motor bomber in the morning.Witnessed dog fight. 5 Jap planes downed by our carrieraircraft. One suicide plane hit CVE Kitkun Bay. Secondmissed transport off Port qtr. Carrier damaged. — Wm. Chico (#218)
|21-26 March, 1945“ I remember the Typhoon in theOkinawa area, when the windswere 110 miles per hour and over40 ft. waves. We thought the shipwas going to break apart, garbageall over the mess hall.” — George L. Palmer, YN/2 (#322), now deceased.
|26-29 January 1945Sailed from LeyteGulf to off SanFelipe – Luzon
|31 January – 3 February 1945Sailed fromLuzon to LeyteGulf
|13-16 January, 1945Sailed from Luzon,Lingayen Gulf toLeyte Gulf
|23 December, 1944Departed LeyteGulf 1330hrs
|28-31 December, 1944at Manus
|28-29 October, 1944Transit from SeeadlerHarbor to HumboltHarbor, Hollandia New Guinea
|15 September – 14 October, 1944Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, 1st battle star. Western CarolineIslands operation. Capture andoccupation of Southern PalauIslands, Peleliu |
7-13 December, 1944Invasion of Leyte, Force was underconstant air attack. Asiatic-PacificCampaign, 2nd battle star LeyteOperation, Ormoc Bay Landings
|15-18 December, 1944Participated in the invasion of Mindoro. Asiatic-PacificCampaign, 3rd battle star Luzon Operation, Mindoro Landings
|21-26 March, 1945Sailed from Leyte Gulf, to Kerama-Retto off the southern Coast ofOkinawa. 1 April to 22 May, 1945.Directed last major assault of the warwith the landing of the 77th InfantryDivision. Asiatic-Pacific Campaign,4th battle star. Invasion and Operationof Okinawa Gunto.
|8 May, 1945VE day
|22 May, 1945Departed Keerama Retto
|26 May, 1945Arrived Saipan
|23 June, 1945Arrived SanFrancisco
|6 June, 1945Departed Saipan
|16 June, 1945Arrived Pearl Harbor
|17 June, 1945Departed Pearl Harbor
|July, 1944“My first exposure to the natives of Guadalcanal was an eyeopener. Their outstanding feature was their orange coloredhair, which I found out was due to their using lye to controlhead lice.” — Jack A Moorman, PhM1/c (Served 1/5/44 to 10/45)
|15 September – 14 October, 1944“It was mandatory while in combat area that our bedding on ourbunks be covered with a flame retardant cover which wasstrapped down with elastic straps with a hook on each end. Aftersweating all night and the bedding still damp, it was wrapped inthe cover and never really dried out. We could hardly wait to getto a secure area so we could take our bedding topside and air itout.” — Jack A Moorman, PhM1/c (Served 1/5/44 to 10/45)
|15 September – 14 October, 1944“The invasion of Peleliu. My assignment was surface lookout.As the first wave of Marines hit the beach, npt much happened.But the second was mauled by mortar fire. Also, numeroussmall boats were getting hung up on underwater obstacles,both coral and man made.” — Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219)
6 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD Winter 2007 Volume 9, Issue 1 7
OCTOBER ‘44 NOVEMBER ‘44 DECEMBER ‘44 JANUARY ‘45 FEB‘45
MAR‘45
APRIL‘45
MAY‘45
JUNE‘45
AUG‘43
JULY‘43
DEC‘43
JAN‘44
FEB‘44
MAR‘44
APR‘44
MAY ‘44 JUNE ‘44 JULY ‘44 AUGUST ‘44 SEPTEMBER ‘44OCT‘43
NOV‘43
SEPT‘43
(AGC-7) The BeginningsTimeline: USS Mount McKinley
Editor’s Note: Many of the details of thevoyages were from the notes providedfrom the diary of Wm. Chichon SPX1/c(#218), now deceased.
|31 July, 1943C-2 hull laid down at the North Carolina Shipbuilding Co.Wilmington, NC
|27 December, 1943Acquired by the Navy and renamedMount McKinley and converted to anAmphibious ForceCommand Ship at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
|1 May, 1944 Commissioned USSMount McKinley AGC-7 Capt. W. M. Graham in command|
27 September, 1943Launched as the Cyclone
|6 June, 1944 D-Day invasion of Europe
|10 June, 1944 German Sub sank Allied Tankeroff coast ofVenezuela
|8 June, 1944Departed Norfolkfor Hawaii
|13-14 June, 1944 Transit the Panama Canal
|16 May, 1944 Departed Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
World Events
Mighty Mac Events
|June, 1944 Passing through the Canal, “Not a blade of grass was out of place, flowerseverywhere. But on the other side of the fence, all you could see were shacks,pigs, chickens, dogs and little kids everywhere.”—— Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219)
|27 June-20 July, 1944Pearl Harbor
|20 July, 1944, 0720hrsUnderway for Palan Islands, 50 miles east of Mindanao inthe Philippines with Amphibious Group 5 embarked
|1 May, 1944 “At the commissioning party Idanced in a conga line for thefirst.” — Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219),now deceased.
“In Their Own Words”
|26 July, 1944Crosses the Equator for the first time
|22 August, 1944Sailors from the ship and Marines treatedto a Bob Hope show|23 August, 1944Returns to Guadalcanal, begins boardingMarines of the Third Amphibious Corps
|8 September, 1944Leaves the Solomon Islands aspart of a fast Convoy speedingat 13 knots for the Palau Islands
|12 & 13 September, 1944Heavy pre-assault shorebombardment of PeleliuIsland, an island nation ofPalau included the following ships:
|31 July, 1944Anchors briefly at Guadalcanal & then moves toMacquitti Bay in Pavuvu Island, Russell Island Group,Solomon Islands
END OF CRUISE 1Mighty Mac goes in fortwo month overhaul
|15 September, 1944AGC-7 arrived off Pelelliu,ComPhibGru 5 directedlanding of 1st MarineDivision.
|18-27 September, 1944Crew volunteersmake daily tripsbringing fresh waterto the marines onshore. Noon temps.were 110º -120º F.
|19 September, 1944First air raidGQ 1815hrs
|27 June – 20 July, 1944“Seeing ‘Pearl’ for the first time. The belly of the Arizona sticking outof the water.” — Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219)
|August, 1944“Ah yes! The Bob Hope Show. Fifteen thousandmarines were waiting in the hot sun and alongcomes an admiral or two, a general or two fol-lowed by 400 or 500 sailors who marched rightup to the stage — Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219)
|28 September, 1944Sailed to nearby NgesebusIsland to provide shore bombardment coordination
|14-17 October, 1944Left operationalarea after it wassecured and trav-eled to SeeadlerHarbor, ManusIsland in theAdmiralty IslandsGroup
|9-12 November, 1944Sailed from NewGuinea to San PedroBay — Leyte Gulf foran assault on Leyte
|8 January, 1945Attacked by lone Jap two motor bomber in the morning.Witnessed dog fight. 5 Jap planes downed by our carrieraircraft. One suicide plane hit CVE Kitkun Bay. Secondmissed transport off Port qtr. Carrier damaged. — Wm. Chico (#218)
|21-26 March, 1945“ I remember the Typhoon in theOkinawa area, when the windswere 110 miles per hour and over40 ft. waves. We thought the shipwas going to break apart, garbageall over the mess hall.” — George L. Palmer, YN/2 (#322), now deceased.
|26-29 January 1945Sailed from LeyteGulf to off SanFelipe – Luzon
|31 January – 3 February 1945Sailed fromLuzon to LeyteGulf
|13-16 January, 1945Sailed from Luzon,Lingayen Gulf toLeyte Gulf
|23 December, 1944Departed LeyteGulf 1330hrs
|28-31 December, 1944at Manus
|28-29 October, 1944Transit from SeeadlerHarbor to HumboltHarbor, Hollandia New Guinea
|15 September – 14 October, 1944Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, 1st battle star. Western CarolineIslands operation. Capture andoccupation of Southern PalauIslands, Peleliu |
7-13 December, 1944Invasion of Leyte, Force was underconstant air attack. Asiatic-PacificCampaign, 2nd battle star LeyteOperation, Ormoc Bay Landings
|15-18 December, 1944Participated in the invasion of Mindoro. Asiatic-PacificCampaign, 3rd battle star Luzon Operation, Mindoro Landings
|21-26 March, 1945Sailed from Leyte Gulf, to Kerama-Retto off the southern Coast ofOkinawa. 1 April to 22 May, 1945.Directed last major assault of the warwith the landing of the 77th InfantryDivision. Asiatic-Pacific Campaign,4th battle star. Invasion and Operationof Okinawa Gunto.
|8 May, 1945VE day
|22 May, 1945Departed Keerama Retto
|26 May, 1945Arrived Saipan
|23 June, 1945Arrived SanFrancisco
|6 June, 1945Departed Saipan
|16 June, 1945Arrived Pearl Harbor
|17 June, 1945Departed Pearl Harbor
|July, 1944“My first exposure to the natives of Guadalcanal was an eyeopener. Their outstanding feature was their orange coloredhair, which I found out was due to their using lye to controlhead lice.” — Jack A Moorman, PhM1/c (Served 1/5/44 to 10/45)
|15 September – 14 October, 1944“It was mandatory while in combat area that our bedding on ourbunks be covered with a flame retardant cover which wasstrapped down with elastic straps with a hook on each end. Aftersweating all night and the bedding still damp, it was wrapped inthe cover and never really dried out. We could hardly wait to getto a secure area so we could take our bedding topside and air itout.” — Jack A Moorman, PhM1/c (Served 1/5/44 to 10/45)
|15 September – 14 October, 1944“The invasion of Peleliu. My assignment was surface lookout.As the first wave of Marines hit the beach, npt much happened.But the second was mauled by mortar fire. Also, numeroussmall boats were getting hung up on underwater obstacles,both coral and man made.” — Dale W. Sigafoos, SK/2 (#219)
8 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD
Buffalo has more the 1,000 acres of parks connect by parkways andavenues that form a complete sys-tem. Buffalo also boasts beatificallydesigned homes by architects asE.B. Greene, Frank Lloyd Wrightand Louis Sullivan. City hall is theoldest city hall in America and thebest example of Art Deco architec-ture. Delaware Avenue was oncechristened “Millionaires Row” andis still lined with stately turn of thecentury mansions, though manyhave been converted to corporateoffice, shops, and restaurants.
Buffalo also has the Pedaling HistoryMuseum which is the largest all bicy-cle museum in the world. There isthe Museum of Science, and theAlbright Knox Art Gallery whichhouse works by Picasso, Van Gogh,Matisse and Monet.
At the Naval and Military Park onthe waterfront (pictured right), allbranches of the service are represent-ed in the park’s exhibits. The park isthe home of the destroyer, USS TheSullivans, missile cruiser USS LittleRock, and WWII submarine USSCroaker. Along the veterans walk,there are tributes to WII, Korea,Vietnam, and Marine vets.
With some free time during thereunion, there is Shea’s performancearts center, the Irish ClassicalTheater, the new Angelika FilmCenter and the Elmwood strip whichfeatures a mix of restaurants, night-clubs, and boutiques.
And of course, don’t forget where thebuffalo wing was invented. VisitFrank and Theresa’s Anchor Barwhich is the home of the BuffaloChicken wing, or try the indigenousbeef on ‘weck sandwich with lots ofhorseradish sauce.
With many things to do and see,
Buffalo is a great choice for areunion.
The Buffalo airport is served byAirTran Airways, American,Comair, Continental, Delta, JetBlue,Northwest, Southwest, United, andUS Airways. Car rentals at the air-port include Alamo, Avis, Budget,Dollar, Hertz and National carrentals.
Flying time to Buffalo varies fromone to two hours for most east coastcities and around 6 hours from thewest coast.
Our Reunion Chairman, David Long, reports the following:
When people think of Buffalo, the think of either snow or chicken
wings. Of course there are the Buffalo Bills, the only NFL team to
lose four consecutive Super Bowl games. Founded in 1801, Buffalo
is the 8th largest city in the US, and 2nd largest in NY.
620 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202Rooms are $87.00 per night
REUNION COST: $72.00
SCHEDULE: September 12 Registration Starts at NoonWelcome Reception
September 13 A five hour tour (to/from Buffalo takes approx. 1 1/2 hours) of the US side of Niagara Falls. We would visit Goat Island, Whirlpool State Park, and enjoy a cruise on the Maid of the Mist. This tour would cost $29 per person.
September 14 A tour of the Buffalo/Erie County Naval and Servicemen’s Park. A 3–4 hour visit including transportation & admission at $20 per person.
September 15 Show and Tell and business meetings in the morning. Afternoon is free. Banquet in the evening.
September 16 Farewells
It’s not the Mt. McKinley, but “The Maid of the Mist”above, is a must-do for folks visiting Niagara falls.
Niagara Falls
10 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD
The following poem was written by John P. Wall, a new member#1027 after he served as a lookout on the port side during thethird watch. (Circa 1962-1963)
Downward Thrust… “SPLASH” !!!
The fury of the sea and that of a bridge lookout upon the thirdwatch.
“SPLASH” as, the waves passes over, the bow of our ship.
Then, feeling the first roll beneath the keel. As the ship twistedto the starboard and rise upward to meet the second roll.
“SPLASH” in a downward thrust as, the ship pulled to the portside with a sudden impact of a huge wave that came up to thebridge. A slight spray of salt water upon, one’s brow and it ishere, that we learn to be men and not play with the sea.
Especially, when she is mad and thoughtless… whisperingthese words… “COME PLAY WITH ME” !!!
More From Our Shipmates:
John P. Wall, above, also sent someportraits, below, of his shipmates thatsome of you may remember.
Missing Members:The following members are missing if anyone knows anything about them, please contact me at [email protected] (352) 382-7694 or Gerald Critz, 10 Euphorbia Ct.,Homosassa, FL, 34446
From left to right: Captain Flynn, USS Mt. McKinley, AGC-7, 1963;
Thomas J. De Beav Jr. #39811050 Bellarbor Dr., Baton Rouge, LA
Eugene Shelton #750 PO Box 9234, Hickory, NC
Robert D. Bohall #760330 16th Ave S.W., Largo, FL
Vera Beeskow #091A526 Newberry Dr., Streamwood, IL
John O’Neal #7561827 N. Ave., Red Oak IA
Dennis C. Smith #889 2106 Squires St., Longmount, CO
Arthor Mc Capes #6241082 San Marcus Rd., Hemet, CA
John Morrey #8682000 S. Lake Line Blvd #326, Cedar Park, TX
ship’sCaptain and LT CDRMuccetto.
So sorry that you could not make thereunion. There are several others onoxygen that have attended. Maybenext year you will be able to makeBuffalo/Niagara Falls.
Many thanks again for your letter andthe picture.
Cheers, Dave Nelsen
My current thought for the New Year2007: would it be possible for everyMount McKinley Association memberto send one photo from their ship-board experience to another shipmateand publish the exchange in theMasthead? Good luck with this “pen pal” exercise.
Cheers, David Nelsen, President, Mount McKinleyAssociation.
January 2007
Dear Shipmates,
First of all, my wife Pat and I wishyou and your family a happy andhealthy New Year, 2007.
The Buffalo/Niagara Reunion isahead, September 12-16, 2007 at theHoliday Inn-Downtown. David Long,our Reunion Chairman has promised agreat reunion.
The Dayton Reunion is in the past; itwas so good to see and visit with somany of you.
I received the following note from ashipmate. I think this letter showswhat the association is all about,“Long Term Friendships”. On a per-sonal note, I would like to share theletter:
29 Nov. 2006
Hello Dave,
I am enclosing a photo taken on the Mt. MC. Do not recall the occa-sion or the time,
President’s Report:but I thought you would appreciatehaving it.
We didn’t make the reunion. I am onOxygen most all day and it makes ittough to travel.
Good hearing from you. Lots of luckto you and yours.
R. John DunkelbergerCPO USN RET704 S Fisher St.Knox, IN. 46534-1830
My response:
2 December 2006
Dear Ron,
What a pleasant surprise to receiveyour letter and picture. The ship was off the coast of Sardinia,November 1961. I had just comeaboard and relieved LTJG Brubackeras Disbursing Officer and he isdeparting from the flight deck. Alsopictured is Lee Temanson, CDR USNRetired and current Secretary of theMount McKinley Association, plus the
Winter 2007 Volume 9, Issue 1 3
2 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD
INCOME EXPENSES CASH ON HAND
Bank of America $5,887.53
Scudder Fund $24,737.71
Ships Store Inv. $3,264.47
Ships Store Cash
Annual Membership dues $4,011.00
Life Membership dues $2,185.00
Donations $1,521.00
Ships Store $4,792.50
Masthead Adv. $100.00
Interest Scudder Fund $1,106.20
Reunion Income $12,929.00
Misc. Income $5.00
Office Supplies $251.62
Ret. Dues Check $97.00
Bank Fees $110.00
Printing $2,490.69
Postage for Assoc. $1,843.65
Ships Store S&H $355.42
Computer Software $27.99
Web Hosting Fee $230.40
Computer Purchase $2,088.22
Reunion Liability. Ins $383.00
Reunion Expenses $11,160.56
Ships Store Inv. Purch $3,833.13
Ships Store Refund $66.00
Reunion Fee Refund $218.00
Total Expenses $23,155.68
Total Income $26,649.70
Less total expenses $23,155.68
Total Annual Income $3,494.02
Total Assets $33,889.71
OFFICERSPresident: David F. Nelson
3847 W. Sherwin Ave.Lincolnwood, IL. 60712 (847) 673-3847
Vice President: William Ellis504 Sandy Oaks Blvd.Ormand Beach, FL 32174
#11 Series are B & W photos. More photos and items are listed on the website: ussmtmckinley.comNew items will be available at the USS Mount McKinley Association Fall Reunion.
Make Checks Payable to: USS Mount McKinley Association (Sorry No Credit Cards)Please add $5.00 shipping charge to each order.
Mail Order to: USS Mount McKinley Ship Store c/o Steve Schermerhorn69272 County Road 23 New Paris, IN 46553
6 Key Tag 7 Rosters 8 Custom Plaque 9“Cruisin’ the Mac” 10 Matted Prints 11 A Camoflage
11 B
11 C Helo Deck
Item # Description Color / Size / Style Price
1 Golf Shirt Navy Blue / S, M, L, XL 25.00(Short Sleeve, 100% Heavyweight Cotton) Navy Blue / XXL, XXXL 27.50
2 Baseball Caps White, Kaki, Navy Blue / One Size, Adjustable 15.003 Ship’s Patches 3” Mountain; 5” Association Mermaid/Turtle; 8.00 each
6” Diesel Gang Patch; Snipe Force Patch; Task Force 90 Patch; Gator Navy Patch
4 Ship’s Decal 3.00 each or2 for 5.00
5 Mouse Pad 5.006 Laser Engraved Key Tags 5.007 Master Roster Red Cover, 1944-1970 (listing of all years) 30.00
Blue Cover, 1944-49; 20.00Yellow Cover, 1950-59; 20.00Gold Cover, 1960-70 20.00
8 Custom Laser Engraved Plaque Includes your name, division and years of serviceCall Steve Schermerhorn 574-831-2843 for special order form 65.00
9 “Cruising in the Mac” by Ken Boenitz A Chronology – USS Mount McKinley, AGC – 7, 1944-1970 20.0010 Matted Color Print 16 x 20 Doubled Matted Color Print on Canvas 30.0011 Ship’s Photos 8 x 10, Black & White Photos
Listed at Bottom (A-C) 5.00 each
Please Print Clearly
Name
Street Address
City State Zip
Phone # ( ) Email
12 USS Mount McKinley Association: THE MASTHEAD
MASTHEADTHE
USS Mount McKinley Association Newsletter
Winter 2007 Volume 9, Issue 1
OVERVIEWOF THE VENUE
Quarters will be at:Holiday InnLocated in the historicAllentown Section ofBuffalo – Downtownwww.hibuffalodowtown.com
• Niagara Falls
• Buffalo & Erie CountyNaval & Military Park
2007 REUNION September 12th to 16th
An invitation to former crewmen of the USS Mount McKinley AGC-7 and her sister AGC’s to participate in a fun-filled reunion in Buffalo / Niagara, New York
This newsletter is dedicatedto all the men who served on this extraordinary ship in service to their countrywhether at times of war ormoments of a peaceful world.
The USS Mount McKinley, AGC-7 was the first of a new class of Amphibious Force Commandships. The following ships were all designated as belonging to the Mount McKinley class:
SHIP COMMISSIONED DECOMMISSIONED DAYS IN SERVICE
USS Mount McKinley AGC – 7 1 May 1944 26 March 1970 9, 196USS Mount Olympus AGC – 8 24 May 1944 4 April 1956 4, 333USS Wasatch AGC – 9 20 May 1944 30 August 1946 832USS Auburn AGC – 10 20 July 1944 7 May 1947 1, 022USS Eldorado AGC – 11 25 August 1944 8 November 1972 10, 321USS Estes AGC – 12 9 October 1944 30 June 1949 1, 726USS Panamint AGC – 13 14 October 1944 January 1947 809 + ?USS Teton AGC – 14 18 October 1944 30 August 1946 682
USS Mount McKinley, AGC-7:
Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Meritorious UnitCommendation
Navy Expeditionary Medal(1-Cuba) American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific CampaignMedal (4) World War II Victory Medal Navy Occupation Medal
(with Asia clasp)
National Defense ServiceMedal (2) Korean Service Medal (8)